Duke has climbed to the No. 1 spot in the latest college basketball power rankings, surpassing Auburn. The Blue Devils have won 12 straight games, the longest streak in the nation, and hold a net rating of 36.71, making them 16-2 to start the season. This marks their best start since 2014-15 Kentucky, and they’re the only team with both a top-five offense and defense in adjusted efficiency.
While Auburn, which is 17-1 overall (5-0 SEC), remains a strong team, it had a close call against Georgia, nearly losing. Duke, on the other hand, remains dominant and recently beat Auburn by six on Dec. 4. With a likely favorable schedule for the rest of the regular season, Duke takes the No. 1 spot for the first time this season.
In these power rankings, teams are ranked based on recent performance and the level of competition, with factors like margin of victory, injuries, and momentum influencing the rankings.
### College Basketball Power Rankings:
1. **Duke** – The Blue Devils have separated themselves in the ACC, with a strong start to conference play and dominant wins over Miami and Boston College. Last week: No. 3
2. **Auburn** – Still undefeated in SEC play, but a near loss to Georgia drops them behind Duke. Last week: No. 1
3. **Houston** – Houston is riding an 11-game win streak and leads the Big 12. No team has won by a bigger average margin this season. Last week: No. 4
4. **Iowa State** – Despite a loss to West Virginia, Iowa State bounced back with a win over UCF and remains in the hunt for a top spot. Last week: No. 2
5. **Michigan State** – After a thrilling win over Illinois, Michigan State has won 11 straight, matching their longest streak since their Final Four season. Last week: No. 9
6. **Florida** – A tough win over South Carolina puts Florida at 17-2. Will Richard’s clutch performance sealed the victory. Last week: No. 8
7. **Marquette** – Marquette’s strong season took a hit with a close loss to Xavier, but they remain competitive in the Big East. Last week: No. 5
8. **Alabama** – Alabama bounced back from a loss to Ole Miss with wins over Kentucky and Vanderbilt, continuing to compete in the SEC. Last week: No. 10
9. **Kentucky** – Kentucky’s high-scoring loss to Alabama was a setback, but their offense is still one of the best. Last week: No. 6
10. **Tennessee** – Two losses in their last five games drop Tennessee from No. 1 to middle of the pack. Last week: No. 7
11. **Louisville** – Louisville, under new coach Pat Kelsey, is on a nine-game win streak and playing with energy not seen in years. Last week: NR
12. **St. John’s** – St. John’s is now leading the Big East and has won 12 of its last 13 games. Last week: NR
13. **Purdue** – A rare home loss to start the week doesn’t slow Purdue, which remains in the hunt with a strong recent run. Last week: NR
14. **Kansas** – After a rough start, Kansas has found its form, now with just one loss in 2024 and a dominant performance in Big 12 play. Last week: NR
15. **Illinois** – Illinois’ recent 1-2 record doesn’t reflect their potential, as they remain one of the top teams in the Big Ten. Last week: No. 14
16. **Missouri** – After a four-game win streak, Missouri’s streak was snapped by Texas, but they’re still a tournament contender. Last week: NR
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